Oh boy. I knew this kind of stuff was going to happen. I know I get attached to people pretty easily....that's why, years ago after working my tail off to get accepted into the occupational therepy program at my college ( they only took 40 people a year) I declined the space I was offered. I always wondered who got it, and how it turned out for them. Bet they aren't digging dimes out of their sofa cushions, at least I hope not. But I digress.

Mr. C.B. had to go into the hospital today. Originally, I was supposed to take Mr. & Mrs. C.B. to the doctor and do their grocery shopping while they were at the doctors office.....

But, when I got there, Mrs. C.B. didn't have a list for me, and said that she thought her husband was going to have to go into the hospital. It hurt my lungs just listening to the poor man try to get his breath. He had to rest every few steps on the way to the car. "Take your time, we'r not running a race." I told him.

"Good thing" he rasped out.

Sure enough, his doctor, who seems to be a very alert and compassionate woman in the Hanover Family Practice, wanted to admit him to Havover Hospital, because he has a lot of fluid in his lungs. So, like a herd of turtles, we managed to make it there and get Mr. C.B. admitted.

I have to say that Hanover Hospital has a really nice staff. The admissions person was effiecient, the nurses gave the impression of being really on the ball. Still, it's a hospital, with all the stuff that happens in hospitals. Slow computers, rolling beds getting somewhat away from the folks who are pushing them, potential wheelchair vs. walker collisions....I've spent more than my fair share of time in hospitals and, I tell you, they are no place for the sick, the slow, or the faint of heart! From elderly men who have confused their wife's wheelchair for a vehicle in the Indy 500, to floral delivery guys who must be getting paid by the delivery, runaway food and medicine carts, kinda- sorta -maybe working elevators which, if you weren't claustrophopic before you got in one you are when you come out, doctors reading charts while speed walking in crowded corridors....the hazards are endless. And all of that is just in between admissions and the hospital bed.

No wonder there's a nursing shortage. On the floor, they are the only people in sight, being asked to do everything equally well. I couldn't do it. It was all I could do to get Mr. C.B.'s portable oxygen to go along with him through the human obsticle course and without dropping it on my foot!

Then, on top of everything else, he had a phlebotomist who was in training. That dismayed individual came in after the experienced nurse had been digging around in Mr. C.B.'s arm for a vein for an REALLY LONG TIME. She was as gentle as she could be, but I was still glad that Mrs. C.B. doesn't see very well. It was hard to watch without jumping up and yelling "For God's sake, stop! It's against the Geneva conventions!" At one point, he had two people mining for veins and both arms....and he never uttered a word of complaint.

He's an inspiring guy. Absolutely no kidding. "Don't come back tonight honey, even if you can. You ought to get some sleep. You look tired."
He can't breathe and he's worried his wife looks tired?!

Of course, she was tired, and very worried about him. And I am too, though I think he'll be all right. "I'm in the best place for me. Don't you worry about me!" he assured us as we left. Mrs. C.B. bent over to give him a kiss.

Consequently, I worked almost all day. But, I'd have much rather not had the "billable hours" but seen Mr. C.B. back home to his comfortable arm chair once again.